For first time cruisers, choosing your first cruise can make or break whether you love this holiday style. If you decide to go down the travel agent route, they’ll give you a list of questions to determine the cruise line, fit for the destination.
But there are many other factors to consider for your first cruise: the cabin, the itinerary, the shore excursions, and even the additional packages.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together a handy guide to ensure your first cruise goes without any hiccups.
As the cruise industry has grown, so have the offerings. There is something to suit everyone’s taste – whether you’re travelling with the kids, grandma, and grandpa, if you’re on a budget, or if you want something super opulent.
Make sure you do your research – whether it be speaking to friends or family members who have cruised or speaking to a travel agent to navigate through the options.
When first time cruisers do their research, make sure you understand the demographics of each cruise line, during the year as well as the itinerary. It comes as no surprise that, for obvious reasons, during the school holidays, you’ll find more kids sailing.
If you are looking for a destination-specific cruise, like if you want to explore the Arctic or Antarctica, then it is also important to pick the right cruise line for your budget, and the differences between each line.
But perhaps if seasickness and the number of people are issues, consider taking a river cruise where you are always close to land and these ships won’t have more than 180 people onboard.
Find out more information in our guide to first-time cruisers.
First Time Cruisers Tips
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The Ultimate Guide to cruise dress codes
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How expedition cruise lines keep you safe
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Popular Destinations
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Adelaide
Founded in 1836, Adelaide is the smallest state capital in Australia and one of the prettiest, with tree-lined boulevards, elegant buildings, manicured gardens and a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Thanks to its compact size, lack of congestion and ample public transport Adelaide is often called ‘the 20-minute city’ – locals say you should be able to…
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Auckland
Auckland may be New Zealand’s largest city but still feels like a big country town, with charming gardens, pretty laneways and an unhurried pace of life. The city has had a major facelift since hosting the America’s Cup in 2000 and now offers a glitzy marina, upscale shopping and glamourous eateries. The harbor city is…
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Vanuatu
An archipelago of 80-plus islands, Vanuatu is a rugged slice of Pacific life, dotted with beaches, volcanoes, tiny villages and the occasional flashy resort. The people of Vanuatu, known as the Ni-Vanuatu, are predominantly Melanesian with more than 100 different ethnic and language groups. The capital Port Vila has a colourful downtown area with a…
Recommended Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers
Read Reviews from First-Time Cruisers
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Seabourn cruise review by Jane Anderson
The Seaboourn cruise ships are ultra modern and luxurious. There are cabin-only suites which are extremely comfortable and beautifully appointed.
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Radiance of the Seas cruise review by Jennifer
It is a mid size ship and easier to get around. Entertainment and food is excellent, especially the midnight chocolate feast.
